first kirpan experience

[rrss]

So I got my first kirpan (standard shape). My first reactions:

Although it is a decent size, I was disappointed- it's not much of a 'weapon' at all.

I'm much better off protecting myself using unarmed combat than with a kirpan.

Also the standard gatra design doesn't seem to be very efficient. it would appear to come in the way if I had to fight hand to hand and present the possibility of getting caught onto something or be used to pull me. There are better ways to strap a knife onto the body.

I will be going to some classes to learn safe kirpan handling and use however I'm just not very impressed, especially as I've had an image of a menacing and very practical 'weapon' in my mind all these years (something more like a hunting knife)!

Is it just something to have to get used to?

[Wingz23]

Seriously, not much of a weapon? you will definitely get used to having and using it as a weapon!

[Wingz23]

also if kirpan doesnt work, try using a machette :lol2:

[rrss]

Yes. As I said, the standard kirpan style doesn't do it for me and the way the gatra is designed is not very efficient in my view. A double sided sharp/serrated blade hunting knife in a leg strap sheath would be more practical and useful. I know some martial arts and really think that the kirpan+gatra as it is designed would be more of a hindrance in hand to hand combat than of much practical use.

Also is the kirpan meant to be really hard to pull out from it's sheath?

Maybe I just need to get used to it and find a way to make it work for me.

[rrss]

Also is the kirpan meant to be really hard to pull out from it's ceremonial sheath?

[Singh559]

It's not much of a weapon to an unskilled and unfit person.

If you have even some martial arts knowledge, you can turn a pen into a lethal weapon.

I'm suspicious whether you're even a Sikh.

[rrss]

It's not much of a weapon to an unskilled and unfit person.

If you have even some martial arts knowledge, you can turn a pen into a lethal weapon.

I'm suspicious whether you're even a Sikh.

Not a very useful comment. You did not comment on the efficiency of the gatra strap either.

It doesn't matter if you don't think I'm a Sikh. As long as Guru ji is happy I'm happy.

[TheFancyBanana]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc-p22QPA3k

the kirpan just needs to be sharp. just learn how to use it effectivly, learn boxing etc. too or karate. if you are going through a rough area show the kirpan a bit. people ARE scared.

keys can be used as a weapon, even my baaj (thing you use to tuck hair into the pagh) can be used to hurt people (person experience ).

[rrss]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc-p22QPA3k

the kirpan just needs to be sharp. just learn how to use it effectivly, learn boxing etc. too or karate. if you are going through a rough area show the kirpan a bit. people ARE scared.

keys can be used as a weapon, even my baaj (thing you use to tuck hair into the pagh) can be used to hurt people (person experience ).

Thanks, first serious comment so far! I am trained in Karate but I have not had formal weapons training.

I'm commenting specifically on the typical hand kirpan with curved tip and blade on one side. A double edged hunting knife with one serrated edge would in my view be more practical, even allowing for easy cutting through rope etc.

I have no intention to scare people or hurt them. Only if violence is authorised as per my understanding and with Guru's kirpa I would use a weapon. Let us look at 2 scenarios: 1. someone skilled in using kirpan + unarmed combat expert: I dont think kirpan person will stand a chance. 2. both highly skilled in unarmed combat: someone highly skilled in unarmed combat engaged in hand to hand fight in my experience would rather not use a small kirpan. That said my karate training makes me biased in this view.

As I said before, part of my disaapointment is due to my having built up a mental image of something else in my mind over the years.

Is there any rule that the kirpan and gatra must be of the standard style available to count as a kakkar?

[Singh559]

It doesn't matter if you don't think I'm a Sikh. As long as Guru ji is happy I'm happy.

I'm happy about that, I guess I'm just in a cranky mood.